Comfortable economical estate for 4 people + ski luggage etc

[Z4MCSL]

I am toying with the idea of becoming an old man

Part of this involves buying an estate

I am interested in something which makes trips to europe by car an enjoyable and economical experience. This could be nearby such as Honfleur, or a bit further to the alps, or even to Italy.

Ideally it is as big as possible so that it can carry 4 x people's stuff plus 4 x people.

Budget is TBC but I am generally looking at things between £5k-15k

I have been exploring:

Superb 4x4 (I get distracted by the 3.6)
E350
5 Series generally
5 series GT
A6 Avant
a6 allroad
Insignia VXR

Previously I was looking at Saab 2.8Ts and Volvos but not sure about these

Also open to SUVs if any recommendations - I had previously done a trip to italy in an X3 (think it was 2018) so was looking at much older X5s as an option.


In my IDEAL world it is still fun to drive, not too much of a slouch. something unusual would be nice but so often that is at the expense of fuel economy - so R36 Passat Estate (probably from Japan) was on the list for a while too

Thanks for your help

[PushedDover]

Surely a look here helps : https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

(or posting there)

[Z4MCSL]

oh amazing thanks for this!